2015 F-150 Revealed: Atlas Fans Rejoice

The 2015 Ford F-150 is the next big installment for Ford following on the heels of the 2015 Mustang. Ford has done an incredible job at keeping their new truck a secret, but now the secret is out and there is plenty to talk about. Atlas concept fans will be pleased as well, the final version of the 2015 holds very true to concept images we saw last year. Just like the Mustang, the 2015 F-150 gets a whole list of new features including a new look, new engine options, and a couple of segment firsts. The Ford F-150 is America’s most iconic truck, and its best selling as well. With this in mind, Ford revamped this boxed-framed beast to be a smarter and sleeker vehicle with even more features and perks to make your life easier and even more comfortable.

The F-150 has taken a New Years Resolution to go on a diet and, unlike most of us, has followed through and shaved an impressive 700 pounds off its total weight. 70% of the 700 pounds lost comes from replacing the steel body with an aluminum one. Ford has not released details about the exact alloys they are using but it is understood that it is the same materials used for aerospace applications as well as military vehicles. Aluminium is also harder than steel, making it physically more difficult to dent, alongside the fact that it does not rust. A tenth of that 700 pounds comes from increasing high and ultra-high-strength steel alloys in the chassis 55% for a total of 77%. With the decrease in weight and the increase in chassis performance we expect to see the 2015 F-150 tow that much more. Another hint towards this increase in towing comes from the unchanged brakes. Ford did not cut weight here because they need the same performance out of their brakes they had last time around so the F-150 can stop the same amount of weight when towing a full load. When not towing, expect better fuel economy, especially with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine.

That’s right! The F-150 will come with a brand new 2.7L EcoBoost V6. This engine will be optimized for high fuel economy and be centered around the market that only needs to tow a few thousand pounds. For the first time in the history of Ford, the F-150 will have a “CAFE-positive” rating, and we think this engine has a little something to do with that. The 3.7L V6 has been changed to a 3.5L, but Ford promises that this new V6 outperforms the 3.7L in every way. The 5.0L V8 will return, but the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 will lead the pack in 2015. Currently there will be no production of the 6.2L V8 for the first model year, which means we will not see an SVT Raptor.

Atlas concept fans can get excited about the new 2015. Many of the front fascia components have been ported over including the basic shapes of the grille, headlights and LED components that will be a segment first available in the top models. The driver and passenger side window drop downs have been enlarged both wider and lower for better visibility and the windshield has been enlarged as well. To improved aerodynamics, the windshield has been angled back slightly, there will be grille shutters on all models, and the tailgate features a 6-inch ridge to help separate air flow. This ridge gave Ford some room to work with in regards to redesigning the optional tailgate step. The feature can now be deployed with one hand in one motion, and stows away inside the tailgate so you can sit more comfortably on top. To top it all off you can now open your tailgate with a button on your key fob, another segment first.

What about the inside? The interior has plenty new and cutting edge design and technology as well. To start, the driver and passenger seats have been move outwards 0.8 of an inch, allowing Ford to increase the center console by 1.6 inches. There are more connectivity options as well including a 110-volt plug, two USB slots, and an SD card slot. All models will come with high-def color screens on the instrument cluster and dashboard whether it be the 4-inch in the lower models or 8-inch MyFord Touch in the higher models. One of the coolest features of these screens is not what it can do but what it will be used for. The 2015 F-150 now comes with 360-degree around-view monitoring and 180-degree front-view monitoring. More features include lane-keeping assist, forward collision mitigation, and two other segment firsts; self-parking and a panoramic sunroof. A new feature that you will only find on the SuperCab are the fully function 170-degree suicide doors, upgraded from the 90-degree swing of last model.

Overall, Ford has fulfilled its promise of revolutionizing the pickup truck segment. The F-150 has been the best selling truck in North America for many years, but rather than resting on its laurels, Ford is continuing to develop its leading product. The 700 lb weight reduction, new power-trains, space age materials and improved functionality all work together to make the best F-150 Ford has ever produced. The challenge of building a vehicle that has to be as comfortable on the boulevard as it is on the job site is an arduous task, but Ford continues to succeed by leading the segment in every aspect. Long live the king!

Zachary Barrett

[…] The 2015 Ford Atlas…I mean F-150…is going full aluminum. We agree, Wolverine still one-ups the Atlas concept child with his adamantium skeleton, but it definitely has dressed to impress; just keep it out of the microwave! Like the Mustang, the F-150 has been hitting the gym, cutting off an impressive 700 pounds while adding more power. Ford has not released the official output ratings or towing capacities yet, but we expect the F-150 to be able to tow what it lost in body weight and more. The unchanged brakes and 55% increase in high and ultra-high-strength steel alloys in the chassis is a testament to this as well. We can’t say enough about the new features both inside and out, but here’s a quote that might resonate with you. ”If it sounds like the cabin is on par with that of a luxury car, you’re right” – Frank Markus, trucktrend.com. You can read our full write up of the 2015 F-150 here. […]